Lost City

May 12, 1985

LONDON — Legends speak of Ciudad Blanca -- White City -- that once existed in the jungles of Honduras. A team of young explorers may have found it or where it was. The site is inland from the coast and covers 1 1/2 square miles. The dominant feature: What is believed to be a sacrificial altar. It is 40 feet wide. Stone axes, decorated pottery, ceremonial rocks and stone structures also were found. The explorers are members of Operation Raleigh, a four-year around-the-world expedition for young people who are supervised by a volunteer staff of scientists, explorers and military personnel. A statement from the Operation Raleigh London headquarters: ''The relative importance of this discovery cannot be confirmed until proper archeological surveys have been made . . . '' The city was occupied by Paya Indians who now live in another part of Honduras.